This course is designed to build confidence flying normal category airplanes in and out of high altitude airports. You will learn how to fly mountain passes, operate in high density altitudes, contingency planning, and survival skills.

Join us this summer as we explore the passes, departing and landing at various mountain airports, high altitude operations

Day 1

Arrive

San Carlos, California

1000 Meet at San Carlos Flight Center to brief the 2 hour flight to the Lake Tahoe area

“I came back a better pilot than I left, without question. I signed up for the trip to learn about flying in a new environment, to gain the skills and familiarity to safely operate in high terrain at high density altitude. I got what I expected, but quite a bit more. Flying all day for three straight days, working with excellent, experienced instructors; my attitude toward flying grew and matured. I came back more capable and more confident.”

Thomas Byrne

A Truly Unique Experience

The purpose of these clinics is to teach an understanding of mountain meteorology, high altitude operations, high altitude physiology, and survival preparedness.

We believe that by immersing you in the environment and surrounding you with decades of experience, you will learn as much as absolutely possible about the art and science of flying in the mountains safely. We believe an emphasis on survival planning is an important factor of your education if you plan to fly in mountainous terrain.

The course fee includes sessions by some of the world's top lecturers on the following topics:

High density altitude operations

High altitude physiology

Mountain meteorology

Flying mountain passes

Unimproved field operations

ELTs, PLBs, and other tracking devices

What's important in a survival kit

Post crash survival

Harvesting the airplane

We will be operating at many mountain airports, such as:

KTRK, KTVL, O22, M45, KBIH, O24, O79

Suggested Packing List

Tent

Sleeping pad

Sleeping bag (2 if able, unless bag rated for 20F and using a sleeping pad)

“The Mountain Flying course put on by Jason and the team at The Finer Points is something every pilot should check out if he/she is serious about raising the level of their flying ability. I left the course with a newfound confidence in handling high altitude airstrips, mountain passes, weather phenomena, survival skills and the real life experience of taking off on a short strip under high density altitude conditions. Most importantly though, the course is FUN. As aviators we can’t ask for much more than than flying in a challenging and fun environment. That’s exactly what this course is all about.”

Cuyler B

Pricing

All Inclusive: $4950

Let us take care of everything. You will have a spot in one of our late model G1000 Cessna 182s (expect around 4-6 hours of PIC time) and one 30 minute glider flight. There are no hidden costs here. We provide the airplane, instructor, fuel, and:

Camping arrangements

Custom TFP survival kit

Gourmet food by Bio Bio Expeditions

Lectures by Jason Miller and Dr. Howard Donner

Lectures by Soar Truckee glider instructors

Aircraft Owner: $2750

If you own an airplane, we will provide an experienced instructor to train you in mountain flying in your own aircraft. Pricing includes: